Rigby Gun Makers – Sign Restoration by NGS

History of Rigby Gunmakers, London

Founded in 1838, Rigby Gunmakers of London has established a reputation for crafting high-quality firearms. Originally established as a family business, the company quickly gained recognition for its precision engineering and exceptional craftsmanship.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Rigby became renowned among hunters, sportsmen, and collectors worldwide. The firm’s commitment to innovation and excellence led to collaborations with notable figures and participation in significant firearm exhibitions. Today, Rigby remains a symbol of tradition and mastery in firearm manufacturing, preserving its legacy as one of London’s most esteemed gunmakers.

NGS Signwriters: A Restoration Style of Craftsmanship Sign Works

The restoration work undertaken by NGS Signwriters Nick Garrett and Seraina Baumgartner is characterized by a meticulous approach that embues authenticity, craftsmanship, and a now very much renowned attention to detail. Each project begins with a comprehensive assessment of the existing signage to determine the most appropriate lettering restoration approach, thereby preserving all historical design integrity, while ensuring durability for years to come.

NGS employ traditional signwriting and artistic decorating methods and materials, utilizing period-appropriate enamels and tools to replicate original lettering and design elements accurately.

Processes along with projejects vary and can be both complex and unique. When necessary we dismantle the work-piece: we carefully clean, stabylise, repair, or even replace damaged sections. Each step prioritises the absolute preservation of original features. Guided by our 40 years of knowledge across many different restoration fields, we work with heritage specialists and are happy to follow estate stipulations, and architectural guidelines.

Throughout the process, we maintain a focus on precision, to ensure that the restored signage not only reflects its original aesthetic but also withstands the test of time. Our work aims to honor the heritage of each site, and typeface, while providing a visually striking and enduring result that enhances its historical significance and strength of place in the modern world.

By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques where appropriate, NGS London always deliver a sympathetic restoration service, that upholds the highest standards of authenticity and excellence.

Case: Rigby Gun Makers, Glass Sign restoration – Work in Progress

About NGS Signwriting

The team, led by experienced artisans including Nick Garrett and Seraina Baumgartner, approaches every commission with a comprehensive assessment of the existing signage or surface. This careful evaluation guides the selection of appropriate restoration methods, whether it involves cleaning, stabilizing, repairing, or reconstructing damaged elements.

The London Restoration Fonts of NGS

The restoration process employed by NGS Signwriters emphasizes the use of period-appropriate typefaces and lettering styles to ensure historical accuracy and aesthetic integrity. The selection of fonts typically aligns with the original signage, reflecting the craftsmanship and design sensibilities of the period in which the signage was created.

Traditional Typeface Selection

NGS prioritizes authentic reproduction by utilising hand-drawn lettering techniques that replicate traditional signwriting fonts as well as the digital development of final brand artwork and font design.

When digital fonts are incorporated, they are carefully chosen from a curated collection of historical typefaces that match the original style, such as:

• Romans and Victorian-era serif fonts Caslon, Bodoni, Trajan, classic lettering.
• Sign Archival inspired typefaces from early 20th-century commercial sign painting masters.
• Industrial and sans-serif styles for modernist or utilitarian signage.

NGS for your Custom Logos and Lettering

In many restoration projects, NGS craft bespoke lettering to precisely match the original design. This approach ensures that each sign maintains its unique character and historical significance, often involving meticulous hand-painting or stencil work based on detailed measurements, hand made traces, scans and photographs.

Materials and Techniques

The letters are rendered by hand using traditional enamels, oils, or modern durable ‘Craftmaster’ paints that emulate historic materials. The craftsmanship involves the finest brushwork application to preserve the authenticity of each letterform.

The combination of historically accurate typefaces and expert handcraftsmanship allows NGS to deliver restorations that honor the original signage’s aesthetic. This dedication to authenticity preserves the company’s established reputation for London’s most meticulous heritage lettering.

Rigby Gun Makers – Sign Restoration by NGS